Shows that might be worth the drive: Widespread Panic to come to Atlanta

From staff

Published Friday, December 23, 2005

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THE MEMBERS of Widespread Panic will play on Dec. 30 in Atlanta. Contributed photo

AEROSMITH

Touring with Lenny Kravitz, Aerosmith will get ready to drive fans crazy at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando and at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Jacksonville Memorial Arena. Cost: $54 to $124.

AIMEE MANN

The folksy singer known for her songs about love will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at Hard Rock Live in Orlando and at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Tampa Theatre in Tampa. Cost: $21.50 to $25 for the Orlando show and $29 to $31 for the Tampa show.

BILL COSBY

Star of "The Cosby Show," comedian Bill Cosby will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 2 at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville. Tickets cost $50 to $100.

BILLY JOEL

The piano man will play at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena and at 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Cost: $49.50 to $85 for the Jacksonville show and $39.50 to $75 for the Tampa show.

BONNIE RAITT

The singer, songwriter, guitarist known for hits like "Something to Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me" will play at 8 p.m. March 1 at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville. Cost: $47.50 to $55.

BOW WOW

The child rap superstar who recently starred in movie "Roller Bounce" will perform as part of the "We Ain't Done Yet Holladay Jam" at 5 p.m. Jan. 1 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta. Cost: $29.50 to $47.50.

BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO

"The New York Times" called Buckwheat Zydeco one of the best party bands in the United States. The band was nominated for four Grammy Awards. They've played for President Bill Clinton's inaugurations. They'll let loose of their Creole-inspired dance music at 8 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville. Tickets cost $25.

THE DEREK TRUCKS BAND

A blend of world music, The Derek Trucks Band will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31 at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. Cost: $25 to $32.50.

GIN BLOSSOMS, SISTER HAZEL

The rock band known for its 1990's hit "Hey Jealousy" will perform with Southern rockers Sister Hazel, a Florida group known for their hit "All For You." They'll take the stage at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the University of North Florida Arena in Jacksonville. Cost: $20.

HOWIE MANDEL

The comedian behind the hit television "Bobby's World" will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 30 at Hard Rock Live in Orlando. Cost: $34 to $37.

The group that was said to be one of the three largest bands in the world in the 1980s will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, and at 8 p.m. Feb. 26 at Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton. Cost: $42.50 for the Jacksonville show, $39.50 to $65 for the Clearwater show, and $45 to $65 for the Boca Raton show.

LENNY KRAVITZ

Lenny Kravitz will play with Aerosmith at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando and at 7:30 p.m. Jan 7 at the Jacksonville Memorial Arena. Cost: $54 to $124.

RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR (Orlando)

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular will take the stage morning, afternoon and night through Dec. 31 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando. Cost: $35.50 to $59.50.

RICKY MARTIN

The international pop superstar ("Livin' La Vida Loca," "I Am") will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 12 at The Tabernacle in Atlanta and at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at the James L. Knight Center in Miami. Cost: $46 to $61 for the Atlanta show and $56 to $111 for the Miami show. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday for the Atlanta show and at 10 a.m. Jan. 7 for the Miami show.

WIDESPREAD PANIC

Widespread Panic has been one of the most popular touring bands in the country. The group's music is often compared to the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers. They'll play at 8 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, and at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Philips Arena. Cost: $48.50 to $101.